ΕFFECTS OF SECONDARY LYMPHOEDEMA ON PSYCHOLOGY AND BODY IMAGE
Apostolina Uzouni, Maria Lavdaniti
Monday, July 1, 2019
Publication year:
2019
Authors:
- Uzouni Apostolina, RN, MSc, A Pathological Clinic, FSMN AHEPA
- Lavdaniti Maria, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing-International University of Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 170-179
Abstract:
Introduction: Life with lymphedema is full of challenges that have a significant impact on the daily lives and psychology of people. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of secondary lymphoedema on sexual activity, psychological disorders, pain, body image and psychological support. Methodology: A bibliographic review of articles and research studies was carried out on the 'Pubmed' and 'Cinahl' bibliographic databases, as well as the Hellenic Academic Libraries Association (HEAL-Link). Articles from 2000-2019 were searched and the following keywords were used: lymphedema, sexuality, psychological disorders, depression, pain, body image and psychological support. Results: Women with lymphedema showed decreased sexual desire as well as sexuality. They experienced severe pain and problems in psychology such as depression, shame, anxiety and embarrassment. They felt insecure about their body image and did not receive enough psychological support, but they also themselves did not wish to discuss it with their support-science team. Conclusions: Lymphedema is a complex disease and can cause disorders in the body image, psychology and sexuality of women experiencing it. Prevention and briefing by qualified personnel may overturn the so far data.
Download PDF
